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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 49(8)

Evaluation of equipment for breeding does housed under Australian meat rabbit farming conditions

S. J. Eady
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F. D. McMaster Laboratory, CSIRO Livestock Industries, Locked Bag 1, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia. Email: sandra.eady@csiro.au

Animal Production Science 49(8) 717-726 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA08232
Submitted: 9 September 2008  Accepted: 3 April 2009   Published: 27 July 2009

Abstract

Two experiments yielded practical recommendations on design of cage equipment (mats and nest boxes) that can potentially improve the welfare and productivity of breeding does. The results show that, in the environment experienced by the experimental rabbits, sore hocks (pododermatitis) can be reduced in breeding does from an incidence of 4% down to less than 1%, by the provision of suitable pressure mats. The difference between the highest and lowest performing nest boxes, in terms of number of kittens weaned, translates into a difference in enterprise gross margins of A$52.35 per doe per annum, or an increase of 36% in profit from the use of the best performing nest box compared with the worst. Farmers can use the results as a guide to choosing or constructing nest box equipment, and should be encouraged to objectively compare different designs under their own environmental conditions.

Additional keywords: cage mats, litter traits, nest boxes.


Acknowledgements

This work was supported with grants from the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Australia. The author thanks John Smith, Sue Belson and Jim Flack at CSIRO and Michael and Kathleen Bowerman at SMGRC for technical assistance. The farmers involved are thanked for providing their box designs for inclusion in the experiment and for making comments on the manuscript.


References


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